Walker Says He Supports Van Hollen’s Decision To Fight Gay Marriage Ban Ruling

Gov. Scott Walker says he continues to support Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen’s fight against the court ruling that declared Wisconsin’s same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional.

Walker has been out of the state or unavailable to the Wisconsin news media since last Friday’s ruling by U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb. After an appearance in Oak Creek on Thursday afternoon, Walker was asked several questions about same-sex marriage, including why he doesn’t ask Van Hollen to drop the legal battle against Crabb’s decision.

“We take an oath of office, and as part of that oath, we’re obligated to hold up the Constitution of the state,” said Walker. “This wasn’t just a law; this is in the state’s Constitution as enacted by the voters of this state. And I think the attorney general, correctly so, takes his obligation to uphold his oath, which includes upholding the Constitution, very seriously.”

Walker declined to answer whether he agrees with Van Hollen’s warning that county clerks issuing a marriage license to same-sex couples could be prosecuted.

Walker did respond to a question about his own views on gay marriage by saying he voted for the constitutional ban on the practice.

“I voted for the referendum in 2008 … 2006, excuse me … as did the large majority of people in the state of Wisconsin,” said Walker.

Walker refused to answer a follow-up question from Milwaukee Journal Sentinel columnist Dan Bice as to how Walker feels now about same-sex marriage.

“I did not decline comment – I gave you an answer,” said Walker. “And if you don’t like it, you can print whatever you want, which is usually what happens.”

Democratic candidate for governor Mary Burke said Walker appears to be playing politics on same-sex marriage, and is doing the bare minimum rather than showing leadership.